Alex Gordon: Can He Return to Previous Form?

It is no secret that Alex Gordon has struggled since his arrival in Kansas City at the beginning of the 2007 season. The one time can't-miss prospect has giant holes in his swing and appears over-matched and confused at times.

His defense is questionable at this point, though some insist it is dramatically improving.

Gordon has been successful at every previous level he's played, and this is his first experience with adversity in baseball.

When his extended stint on the DL began in mid April, the Mark Teahen-to-second experiment immediately ended. Teahen has held third on lock down while carrying a big stick in the meantime.

Between Kevin Seitzer's influence in the box and a few months of defensive position stability (at his favorite position nonetheless), Teahen looks like a different player

He's playing with confidence.

Additionally, Alberto Callaspo has turned into a doubles machine. His poor defense aside, he has been a pleasant surprise.

So...let's take a look at the numbers.

Gordon before injury: .095, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R*

Teahen since Gordon injury: .298, 4HR, 12 RBI, 16 R

Callaspo since Gordon injury: .296, 2HR, 14 RBI, 13 R

It is hard to imagine where the Royals struggling offense would be right now without Teahen and Callaspo. They have picked up much of the slack provided by Mike Aviles & David DeJesus' slow starts.

Assuming the Royals are still in contention when Gordon returns from the DL in late August, how does the Golden Boy fit in?